Leena Watts
Diet pills and weight-loss drugs are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the US, where obesity rates are rising. In 2016, global obesity rates were 15% for women and 11% for men, according to estimates based on World Health Organization (WHO) data. While there is limited data on the percentage of men and women taking diet pills, a 2005-2006 survey found that 33.9% of adults who made a serious weight-loss attempt reported using dietary supplements, with a higher percentage of women (44.9%) than men. More recent data from 2017-2018 shows that 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reported using dietary supplements in the past 30 days, with a higher percentage of women (63.8%) compared to men (50.8%). This trend of higher supplement use among women is consistent across all age groups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of men taking diet pills | 50.8% |
| Percentage of women taking diet pills | 63.8% |
| Global obesity rates for men | 11% |
| Global obesity rates for women | 15% |
| Men who think weight-loss drugs are good options for weight loss | 51% |
| Women who think weight-loss drugs are good options for weight loss | 56% |
| Men who say willpower alone is not enough for weight loss | 59% |
| Women who say willpower alone is not enough for weight loss | 71% |
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What You'll Learn
Dietary supplement use is higher among women than men
Dietary supplement use is significantly higher among women than men. During 2017-2018, 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reported using any dietary supplement in the past 30 days. Among these, a higher percentage of women (63.8%) reported using dietary supplements than men (50.8%). This trend is consistent across all age groups, with supplement use increasing with age for both sexes. For men, supplement use increased from 35.9% among those aged 20-39 to 67.3% for those aged 60 and over. Meanwhile, for women, use increased from 49.0% in the 20-39 age group to 80.2% for those 60 and older.
The popularity of dietary supplements has been rising over the years. From 2007-2008 to 2017-2018, the percentage of adults reporting dietary supplement use increased across all age groups. Specifically, supplement use rose from 34.7% to 42.5% for ages 20-39, from 51.4% to 59.2% for ages 40-59, and from 66.9% to 74.3% for ages 60 and above. This increase in supplement use can substantially contribute to nutrient intake and potentially address nutrient deficiencies. However, it also raises the risk of excessive intake, especially when multiple products are concurrently consumed.
The use of dietary supplements for weight loss is also prevalent in the United States. In a 2005-2006 national survey, 33.9% of adults who made a serious weight-loss attempt reported using dietary supplements. Once again, supplement use was more common among women, with 44.9% reporting their use compared to men. The surge in obesity rates worldwide, estimated at 13% of the global adult population in 2016, has fueled the popularity of weight-loss drugs. While views on the use and impact of these drugs vary, a majority of Americans agree that factors like genetics, stress, anxiety, and access to healthy food options play a significant role in influencing a person's weight.
Among the various weight-loss medications available, some are administered orally as pills, while others are given as injections. Semaglutide, for example, has become one of the most popular prescription drugs in the U.S., with an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions in 2021. It is marketed under brand names such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, and is also used to treat type 2 diabetes. Other weight-loss drugs include Zepbound, which is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, and liraglutide (Victoza), which is a daily injectable medication that helps reduce hunger signals. As the popularity of weight-loss drugs continues to grow, it becomes part of a broader societal discussion about weight and the complex factors that influence it.
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Women are more likely than men to use willpower to lose weight
While specific statistics on the percentage of men and women taking diet pills are not readily available, it is evident that the use of dietary supplements for weight loss is more prevalent among women. According to a national survey conducted in 2005-2006, 33.9% of adults who attempted significant weight loss reported using dietary supplements, with a higher percentage of women (44.9%) than men. This trend of higher supplement use among women is consistent across different age groups.
Regarding willpower and weight loss, there are mixed perspectives. Some sources suggest that women are more likely than men to use willpower to lose weight. Research by Marks & Spencer, for instance, revealed that women often lacked the willpower to stick to their planned diet schedules. The survey also found that women were more likely to combine exercise with a healthy diet and were willing to make dietary sacrifices, such as reducing carbohydrate intake.
On the other hand, other sources indicate that men may exhibit greater willpower in weight loss endeavors. The Marks & Spencer study also showed that men found dieting easier and were more successful at keeping the weight off. Additionally, a significant number of men in the study declared that dieting was "easy."
It is worth noting that societal expectations and gender norms may play a role in these perceptions. Historically, women have been more vocal about their weight loss efforts, but there is a recent shift with more men expressing a desire to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Overall, while there may be differences in the approaches and experiences of men and women when it comes to weight loss and willpower, it is important to recognize that a combination of factors, including diet, exercise, stress, and genetics, influence weight management.
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Weight-loss drugs are rising in popularity
Semaglutide, marketed under brand names like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, has seen a rapid increase in prescriptions. In 2021, an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions for semaglutide were written in the US, more than four times the number just two years prior. This surge in popularity is part of a broader societal discussion about weight and the factors influencing it, including behaviour, environment, and genetics.
While obesity rates and the use of weight-loss drugs are rising, views on the use and impact of these medications vary. Research suggests that comparable shares of women (56%) and men (51%) who are familiar with these drugs consider them viable options for weight loss for individuals with obesity or weight-related health conditions. However, women are more likely than men to believe that willpower alone is insufficient for weight loss (71% vs. 59%), indicating a nuanced perspective on the role of weight-loss drugs.
Weight-loss medications can take various forms, including oral pills and subcutaneous injections. While some patients may prefer pills due to their ease of administration, injections have been found to be equally effective. These medications can help manage hunger, cravings, and metabolic preservation, supporting patients in their weight loss journeys. However, it's important to note that weight-loss drugs are typically most effective in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
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Obesity rates are higher in women than men
While obesity rates have been increasing for both men and women, data shows that obesity rates are higher in women than in men. In 2016, global obesity rates were 15% for women and 11% for men. In the United States, the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over was 42.4% in 2017-2018, with no significant differences between men and women. However, when it comes to severe obesity, women had a higher prevalence at 11.5% compared to 6.9% for men.
The prevalence of obesity varies across different racial and ethnic groups. Among non-Hispanic Black adults, the prevalence of obesity was highest compared to other racial and ethnic groups, with 44.7% of non-Hispanic Black men and 56.9% of non-Hispanic Black women falling into this category. In contrast, the prevalence of obesity was lowest among non-Hispanic Asian adults, with 17.5% of men and 17.2% of women.
Age also plays a factor in obesity rates. Among men, the prevalence of obesity was highest at 46.4% for those aged 40-59, while for women, it was highest at 43.3% for those aged 60 and over. Overall, the prevalence of obesity increased with age for both men and women.
Dietary supplement use, including weight loss supplements, is also higher among women than men. In 2017-2018, 63.8% of women reported using dietary supplements compared to 50.8% of men. The use of multiple dietary supplements increased with age, and nearly one-quarter of adults over 60 reported taking four or more supplements.
While obesity rates are higher in women, it's important to note that the overall prevalence of obesity has been increasing for both genders, and addressing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles is crucial for both men and women.
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Weight loss medication works best with a healthy diet and exercise
While there is no specific mention of diet pills, it is evident that more women than men take dietary supplements for weight loss. A 2005-2006 survey of 3,500 US adults found that 33.9% of those who made serious weight-loss attempts had used dietary supplements, with a higher percentage of women (44.9%) than men. Similarly, in 2017-2018, 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over reported using dietary supplements in the past 30 days, with a higher percentage of women (63.8%) than men (50.8%). This trend of higher usage among women was consistent across all age groups.
Weight loss medications are most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. While medications can help with hunger, cravings, and metabolic preservation, they do not replace the importance of physical activity and healthy eating habits. Healthcare professionals often prescribe medications as part of a weight-control program that includes lifestyle adjustments. This holistic approach to weight loss involves regular exercise, a healthy eating plan, and supportive relationships.
A treatment plan for obesity may include multiple forms of treatment, such as medications, diet, exercise, and surgery. Weight loss medications, including FDA-approved options like orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, naltrexone-bupropion, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, are designed for both short-term and long-term use. These medications work best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. For instance, semaglutide, also known by the brand name Ozempic, is intended to be used indefinitely alongside a healthy diet and exercise to aid in weight loss.
The effectiveness of weight loss medication is enhanced when complemented by a healthy diet and exercise. Physical activity and a nutritious diet help to maintain weight loss over the long term. Healthcare professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if an individual may benefit from weight management medications. These medications can assist in making it harder for the body to absorb fat or help individuals feel less hungry or full sooner. By combining medication with a healthy diet and exercise, adults can achieve greater weight loss, losing 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight compared to those not taking medication.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no definitive data on the percentage of men and women who take diet pills, a 2005-2006 survey found that 33.9% of adults who made a serious weight-loss attempt reported using a dietary supplement for weight loss, with a higher percentage of women (44.9%) than men. Another survey from 2017-2018 showed that 57.6% of adults aged 20 and over had used any dietary supplement in the past 30 days, with a higher percentage of women (63.8%) than men (50.8%).
Yes, there are some gender differences in the use and perception of weight-loss drugs. Women are more likely than men to believe that willpower alone is not enough for weight loss (71% vs. 59%). Additionally, in a survey, 56% of women and 51% of men who were familiar with weight-loss drugs considered them good options for individuals with obesity or weight-related health conditions.
Some popular weight-loss drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro (also known as tirzepatide). These drugs are typically administered as injections and work by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Other weight-loss medications include Orlistat, which comes in a capsule form and blocks the absorption of dietary fats.
